Nagpur-Bhandara Six-Lane Work To Begin In 4 Months: Gadkari
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Nagpur: The much-delayed widening of the Nagpur-Bhandara road into a six-lane highway is expected to commence within the next three to four months, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Saturday.
The project had been held up due to issues with a BOT (build-operate-transfer) operator, whose contract has now been terminated.
Addressing an event in Bhandara, Gadkari said the road had witnessed 54 fatalities and over 225 injuries due to delays in improvement work. "The detailed project report (DPR) is ready, and as land acquisition requirements are minimal, the work should begin soon," he said.
The minister was in Bhandara to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various road infrastructure projects worth Rs1,053 crore under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state Public Works Department (PWD).
He underlined that infrastructure growth is the foundation of comprehensive regional development.
Gadkari also inaugurated the 14.8-km six-lane Bhandara Bypass—part of NH-53—built at a cost of Rs735 crore. The bypass includes three major bridges, one across the Wainganga River, and two animal underpasses at Bhilewada. Officials said the bypass will help reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for local commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Recalling his student days, Gadkari said the earlier bridge over Wainganga would routinely submerge, disrupting travel. "After becoming a minister, I ensured construction of a new bridge, which is now part of the upgraded bypass," he said.
He also emphasized Bhandara's potential as a hub for tourism, agriculture, and industry, citing natural assets like Nagzira forests and Navegaon Dam. Gadkari revealed that a Rs20 crore watercraft is being procured from Russia to facilitate water transport from Bhandara to Ambhora via the Wainganga River.
He added that the region's mineral wealth and forest resources hold immense promise for generating local employment and boosting economic activity.
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